Python’s class decorators are a powerful feature that allows you to modify the behavior of a class dynamically. They provide a clean and concise way to add functionality to existing classes without modifying their source code.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of class decorators, exploring their use cases, syntax, and practical examples.
What are Class Decorators?
In Python, decorators are functions that take another function as an argument, add some functionality to it, and return a new function. Class decorators work similarly, but instead of modifying a function, they modify a class. They are essentially a way to metaprogram your classes, allowing you to extend or modify their functionality at runtime.
The Syntax of Class Decorators
The syntax for class decorators is straightforward. You define a decorator function that takes a class as an argument and returns a new class with the desired modifications. Here’s the basic structure:
def decorator_function(cls):
# Modify the class or add new functionality
return modified_class